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Same sex couples won't have to wait a minute extra to get their marriage licenses in King County. (AP Photo)

King County signing gay marriage licenses at midnight

BY Stephanie Klein  on November 15, 2012 @ 1:57 pm (Updated: 2:10 pm - 11/15/12 )

Same sex couples won't have to wait a minute extra to get their marriage licenses in King County.

County Executive Dow Constantine says the County Recorder's Office will open at 12:01 a.m. on Dec. 6, the first official day licenses can be issued.

"I don't want couples to wait a minute longer than legally necessary to get the rights that voters have recognized," said Executive Constantine, who will personally sign the first marriage licenses at 12:01 a.m.

Couples will have to wait another three days before the actual marriage ceremony may be performed.

The move will make King County the first jurisdiction in the nation to issue marriage licenses based on voter approval. Voters in Maryland and Maine approved marriage equality initiatives last week, but their laws will not take effect until January.

Couples can start lining up at the King County Administration Building James Street entrance at 10:00 p.m. on Dec. 5. Both parties must be present to obtain a marriage license in person. Couples should bring a completed application, photo ID, and the $64 fee (cash or check).

Stephanie Klein, MyNorthwest.com Editor
Stephanie joined the MyNorthwest.com team in February 2008. She has built the site into a two-time National Edward R. Murrow Award winner (Best Radio Website 2010, 2012).
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Comments (17)


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  • R L M 456 wrote...
    Wish they would pay overtime and do a special opening, wasting Taxpayer money
    November 16, 2012 4:10 am
    whenever I need to get a King County building permit

    Have to wait hours in Line

    I should have told them I was Gay and it was for a "Gay Rally" parade platform

    would have been escorted to the front of the line and out the door in 15 seconds

    tell me again how all you want is EQUAL treatment???

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